The Big Climate Database is a public free database with the climate footprint of more than 500 common food products. Keep in mind, this can only show and calculated CO₂ based on GPC codes that is a part of the database.
To ensure accurate CO₂ calculations, your products must have a GPC code. Additionally, the following fields are used to calculate the carbon footprint:
CO₂ per kilogram (Co2 Per Kg Custom)
This shows the CO₂ emissions per kilogram of the product and is used for general calculations where weight is known.
CO₂ per unit (Co2 Per Item Custom)
This shows the CO₂ emissions per item (e.g., a package or a bottle).
To use this value correctly, you must multiply it by the number of units in a box.
Important: If your product data follows the GS1 standard, be aware that GS1 allows different ways to indicate this field. The system uses "Net Content Value" (weight in grams) for the calculation. The system only calculates CO₂ for products where weight is specified in grams ("GRM"), to avoid errors if the unit is provided in pieces.
How to Customize the Calculations
Use this link or find the application here:
Go to the "Applications" tab.
Select "The Big Climate Database".
Here, you will find customization options. You will find options to choose which attributes the database should pull information from, in which format and which attributes the results should be stored in.
Want to Add a Field for Net Weight?
If you want to use a different field for weight, you can change this in the settings page in Prduct.
How specific should the GPC Codes be?
GPC codes (Global Product Classification) are structured in multiple tiers – from broad product categories to highly specific product groups. The more specific you choose to go, the more accurate the classification becomes at the attribute level.
Using the most specific GPC codes enhances data quality and supports more effective compliance, reporting, and product search functionalities within the platform.
However, it is entirely up to you how detailed you want to be in mapping GPC codes. You can choose a higher-level category for general classification or go for a detailed subcategory to fully leverage the platform’s capabilities.